Surgeries start in Ghana
19 years after Mercy Ships's last mission in country
TEMA, Ghana – September 9, 2026: The first surgeries of Mercy Ships’ 10-month field service in Ghana have begun on board the Global Mercy™, marking the international charity’s return to the country after 19 years.
A new mission with a long-time partner
The surgeries represent a new chapter in the longstanding relationship between Mercy Ships and the Government of Ghana, which began in 1991. The Global Mercy, the world’s largest purpose-built civilian hospital ship, will remain in the Port of Tema until June 2027. During this time, the ship will provide specialized surgical care to patients while supporting the education and mentoring of Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
Focus on Ghana
Ghana has taken significant steps to strengthen surgical care through its National Surgical, Obstetric, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP). However, barriers including cost, geographic access, and the limited availability of specialist services continue to prevent some patients from receiving timely surgical care.
According to data from the Ghana Health Service, the country is facing a shortage of medical specialists. Nationwide, there are only about 200 physician anaesthesiologists and orthopaedic surgeons, and close to 500 trained dental professionals currently practicing.
During the field service, Mercy Ships expects to provide between 1,900 and 2,600 surgeries and between 1,600 and 2,000 dental treatments at no cost to patients.
First patients
The first patient to undergo surgery was Samuel, a 59-year-old mechanical fitter from Kumasi in the Ashanti Region of central Ghana. Samuel lost his vision in 2025 because of cataracts. A widower raising five children as a single parent, he found that losing his eyesight made it difficult to work and care for his family.
Before his surgery, Samuel described how his vision loss had affected his life.
“Now I'm unable to do anything, not even work, see at night or see properly during the day, and that's my problem. I will be happy to be the first person to receive the surgery and see properly!”
Five-year-old Joseph also underwent surgery after living with knock knees for most of his young life. His parents first noticed the condition when he was 18 months old. When Joseph was three, his father suggested delaying his enrolment in school for fear that he would be mocked.
“The surgery is good for him,” his mother said. “Being here gives him hope that his legs will be fixed and that he can finally go to school.”
Long-term impact
The field service’s impact will extend beyond the care provided on board the ship. An estimated 100 to 250 Ghanaian healthcare professionals are expected to participate in clinical mentoring, education, and professional development opportunities. Surgical specialties offered during the field service will include pediatric orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmic surgery, reconstructive plastic surgery, and general surgery.
“Returning to Ghana is the continuation of a trusted partnership,” said Jonathan Ziehli, Mercy Ships Director of Diplomacy (read more about diplomacy). “Together with the Ministry of Health and our national partners, we are investing not only in life-changing surgery for today’s patients, but also in stronger surgical systems that will benefit future generations.”
To help ensure a sustainable impact beyond the ship’s departure, Mercy Ships volunteers will work alongside Ghanaian doctors, nurses, and other specialists throughout the field service. The organization is also collaborating with national institutions, including the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Ghana College of Nurses and Midwives, to support postgraduate education and clinical placements on board the ship.
These programs are designed to complement Ghana’s national health priorities by supporting local efforts to strengthen the surgical workforce and expand access to safe surgical care.
Since Mercy Ships first visited Ghana in 1991, the organization has worked with the Government of Ghana and national partners to provide 2,670 surgical procedures and more than 18,120 dental procedures, while training more than 2,920 Ghanaian healthcare professionals.
- 10 September 2026
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